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How to Paint a Flower on Rice Paper Using Watercolors

Rice paper is a thin, absorbent semi-opaque paper. By itself, it isn't the best ground for a wet medium like watercolor because, when wet, it is very fragile. By gluing it to a piece of cardboard it will become a sturdy surface for watercolor with the added bonus that, in the gluing process, many fine wrinkles will be created. This unique rice paper painting looks complex, but by following a few simple steps, it is easy to do.

Obtain a piece of cardboard. White mat or illustration board is an ideal weight. Cut it to the size you want your art piece to be. 9" x 12" or 11"x 14" are good sizes because they will fit into a standard size frame.

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Purchase a sheet of plain, white rice paper from the art and craft store. Cut a piece that is slightly bigger than your support board. There is no right or wrong side to the paper.

3

Squeeze white glue onto the board. Use a scrap of cardboard to spread it evenly over the entire surface of the board.

4

Wad the rice paper into a ball. Open it and smooth it with your fingers.

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Attach the paper to the board. Make sure it is glued thoroughly ,especially at the edges.

6

Turn any excess paper under and glue it down. Or, if you prefer, trim off whatever overhangs.

Select medium and small round brushes that will come to a sharp point.

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Paint the piece in any order you wish but work lighter color first and gradually, add darker tones. If the paint spreads too much, use it less diluted.

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Add details such as tiny yellow centers to each little flower within the large flower pouf. Do fine accent lines for the stem, leaf veins, roots and branches from the stem into the flower. Try to keep the drawn lines to a minimum, and do them with a fine brush and dark paint. Strive to keep the lines loose and carefree.

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If desired, ornament the interior of the arch with curlicues and paint with brownish-yellow watercolor. For a final touch, if you wish, apply metallic, gold acrylic paint on the arch.